By Nick on Thursday, October 02, 2014

​When we walk around our LEED® Gold certified headquarters, we often feel like we’re trekking through the woods. Our living wall boasts more than a dozen plant species, our vegetated roof sports a thick layer of shrubs and grasses, and our parking lot directs runoff into a nearby stream (cool, huh?).

Late this summer, the natural beauty of our campus shed light on a beautiful natural process: the butterfly life cycle. That’s right—just outside the doors of our Distribution Center, nearly a dozen caterpillars formed their chrysalises, or the hardened outer layer that starts their transition from caterpillar to butterfly. Our team of coworkers documented the process from start to finish.

A few weeks ago, we noticed a crew of Monarch butterflies swarming around our milkweed plants. The beautiful orange-and-black-patterned butterflies immediately caught our attention, so we decided to cue into the process. Before long, the butterflies laid their eggs on our milkweed, giving life to several black-and-white-banded caterpillars. Finally, after feasting on our milkweed for several weeks, these caterpillars gradually formed their emerald-green chrysalises, preparing for life as Monarch butterflies.

These green cases hung from our outdoor artwork until the caterpillars emerged, one-by-one, as breath-taking butterflies. And just like that, our Distribution Center served as the sight of butterfly birth, from tiny larvae to full-fledged Monarch.

At times, we walk from meeting to meeting without stopping to notice the natural beauty that surrounds us. And then, when we least expect it, nature gives us a bold example of its stunning behind-the-scenes processes.

To learn more about our LEED® Gold certified facilities, and take a “guided tour” of their sustainable features, visit Dansko.com.

By Christy on Wednesday, September 17, 2014

From volunteer activities (like tomato picking!) to family nights, and from employee ownership to birthday celebrations (with ice cream, of course), we function as a friendly footwear family. And just like any tight-knit family, we look out for one another--and for our community, too.

As a "Certified B Corp," Dansko meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Thankfully, we’re not alone in our pursuit of a better tomorrow; more than 1,000 companies from 33 countries and more than 60 industries also serve as Certified B Corps, creating a friendly community of forward thinkers.

For us, meeting these standards requires a commitment to the environment, the community, our consumers and, of course, our very own employees. So we work in LEED® gold certified facilities and run the only recycling center in our community; design “Foot Healthy” shoes, as certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association; and provide our employees with 20 hours of paid time off to volunteer, all while donating the equivalent of their salaries to the organizations they serve.

For our efforts, B Corp recently recognized Dansko as a 2014 “Best for Workers” company—for the second year in a row! We’re thrilled and honored to create a rewarding workplace for our employees, and couldn’t be happier to work in such a positive, uplifting community.

​Late this summer, our employees took full advantage of their volunteer hours, heading to SIW Farm in nearby Chadds Ford, PA to pick tomatoes. Our crew traveled under the name “Team Tomato” and picked goods for the Chester County (PA) Food Bank, who later distributed our tomatoes to smaller, local food banks. We even put bruised tomatoes to good use, picking them for use in tasty tomato sauces.

“‘Team Tomato Day’ fell in line with everything I am passionate about” started Bruce M., Sales, “including farming, growing and distributing locally, fresh veggies, giving back, the helping less fortunate and the hungry. It gave me great pleasure to take part in such a rewarding experience.”

For Bruce, “Team Tomato Day” represents one of many ways Dansko strives to create an employee-focused--and others focused--community.

“Our staff regularly volunteers for causes and projects they believe in, want to be part of, and just find interesting,” Bruce continued. “Collectively, volunteering makes a positive difference in our communities and in our Dansko family.”

To learn more about our role as a 2014 B Corp “Best For Workers” company, visit the Dansko Press Room.

By Nick on Wednesday, August 27, 2014

​As the local food movement continues to gain momentum, we have to admit: we’re completely on board. Freshly-picked and locally-grown foods are flavorful and nutrient-rich…and also work to benefit the economy and the environment.

In cities nationwide, farmer’s markets and seasonal food stands have started to draw customers away from traditional grocery stores, enabling shoppers to build relationships with the farmers who grow their food. This got us thinking: which national markets would we want to visit?

Of course, we couldn’t visit any of these markets without a comfortable, stylish pair of shoes to carry us from one vendor to the next. So we handpicked a pair for our future journey (and for yours, too!).

With exceptional arch support, a lightweight construction and a soft, cushioned ride, our Allison mule belongs on a nationwide tour—or on a quick trip to your local market. Regardless of your travels, grab a tote bag, step into Allison’s cushioned footbed and hit the road. Your taste buds (and feet) will thank you!

Check out our five bucket-list worthy markets, from New York to Seattle.

A program of GrowNYC, a nonprofit organization that uses environmental programs to improve New York City’s quality of life, the Greenmarket began with 12 farmers in a Manhattan parking lot. Today, more than 54 markets operate in the city, selling goods from more than 230 farmers and fishermen. The Union Square location serves as the “Grandaddy of them all,” selling fresh-cut flowers, seasonal vegetables, homemade wine and more through 140 local vendors.

For nearly 20 years, the Crescent City Farmer’s Market has served up some of New Orleans tastiest seafood, from crawfish to catfish to charbroiled oysters. If you visit on a Saturday, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the city’s “Warehouse District,” an art-centric neighborhood that many call “the SoHo of the South.” Grab a shrimp po’boy sandwich, and a bag of homemade Cajun chips, and explore this culture-rich Gulf Coast city.

Located just west of downtown Minneapolis, this festive market provides an everyday shopping alternative—and a spot for social gatherings, too! Cooking classes, concerts and other special events fill the weekend calendar, while a “Fresh and Local” podcast keeps customers informed while on the run. From fine food to fun entertainment, Minneapolis’ flagship market keeps shoppers coming back all week long.

Widely regarded as one of the most diverse markets in the country, the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market offers a rich cultural experience in a vibrant, open-air setting. From exotic citrus fruits, to Latin music, to children’s pony rides, this California market provides an unforgettable experience for tourists and locals alike. Load up on savory snacks—and then walk a block to Santa Monica beach.

Overlooking the scenic Elliot Bay, and located on the edge of a steep Seattle hill, Pike Place pairs natural beauty with local food. Comic book shops, antique dealers and art merchants add variety to the market’s fresh produce and fish, helping attract more than 10 million visitors annually. Despite all of its fame, Pike Place holds true to its core value: to help shoppers “meet the producer.”

Whether you explore the country in search of the very best markets, or turn your shopping routine into a local adventure, travel in all-day comfort with our contemporary Allison mule. And remember—when you shop local, you support the environment, the economy and the farmer who raised your food!

By Christy on Thursday, August 14, 2014

Located in the rolling hills of Southeastern Pennsylvania, our LEED® Gold certified headquarters perfectly illustrates our passion for sustainability—and our passion for local living! Paintings from community artists hang throughout the building, solar panels turn sun rays into electricity, and fun little details, like copper rain chains shaped like flowers, enable us to make the most of our resources.

With these features (and so many more) in mind, we can’t help but feel privileged to work in such an inspiring space. We don’t want to take our beautiful facility for granted, so we decided to pick our five favorite spots.

​Vegetated RoofWhen the weather feels just right, we walk up to our rooftop garden for a peaceful, sun-soaked lunch. Shrubs, grasses, flowers and other plants take up two-thirds of the roof’s surface, offering the perfect insulation for reduced heating and cooling usage. We’re thrilled to “do our part” for the environment—and we’re glad our efforts helped create the ultimate outdoor café!

​Living WallStacked vertically from floor to ceiling, our living wall houses all kinds of garden life—including orchids, philodendron, ferns and other colorful plants. The living wall acts as a natural filter, improving air quality to create a clean, healthy workspace. And of course, the cascading waterfall serves as an “occasional” distraction between meetings, providing a calm, cool breather in the middle of the day.

​Outdoor Pool (with a mermaid, too)Just outside our front door, a mermaid sculpture watches over our grounds, sitting in the middle of a small pool. Sometimes we forget she’s there at all, though our visitors often take pictures, walk around the edge of the pool, and explore the various plants that sit by her side.

Second-Floor BalconyOur second-floor balcony provides a perfect view of our living wall—and offers a quiet location to gather our thoughts. Surrounded by elegant local art and fresh flowers from our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm, we often find ourselves sitting in this spot for a few extra minutes. After all, fresh flowers and a living wall make for a nice, relaxing break!

​​Popcorn and Coffee Corner Sometimes we just need a salty, crunchy afternoon snack, and sometimes we just need a little caffeine! When a craving hits, we grab a fresh bag of popcorn from our vintage popcorn machine, fill our mug with warm coffee, and head back to our desk feeling satisfied and refreshed.

To learn more about our delightful (and sustainable) facility, check out our virtual tour on Dansko.com. You’ll be glad you did!

By Diana on Monday, June 30, 2014

​Source:TriplePundit, a news source for leaders of ethical, sustainable and profitable businesses

Author: Geri Stengel

Story: Stengel, author of Forget the Glass Ceiling: Build Your Business Without One, believes a common thread unites women leaders of thriving businesses: a commitment to their communities. In the article, Stengel praises Dansko Co-Founder and CEO Mandy Cabot, who appeared in her title book, for guiding Dansko with a forward-thinking mentality. Stengel writes, “For women entrepreneurs, it’s not just about innovation and profit. It’s about making a difference.”

The quote accurately describes Mandy, a leader who constantly strives to improve the quality of people’s lives through volunteerism, sustainable business practices and comfortable, supportive shoes. As a company, we’re thrilled to see Mandy recognized for her commitment!

To learn more about our mission, values and drive to build a better tomorrow, visit Dansko.com.